Historic Alleyways in Washington, DC

Overview

*2025 Schedule - Tour is offered the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 2pm.

Check out one of DC's most unique features, less than a mile away from the National Mall, in the historic Shaw neighborhood, near the Convention Center.

The Alleyways of DC served a distinct purpose as a city planning feature, but they also provided a hidden safe space where escaped enslaved people and the poor could find inexpensive housing and live their lives away from prying eyes. While city officials condemned life in the alleyways as dangerous, dirty and diseased, they were in fact a place where communities sustained each other and provided security.

Tour is 1.5 hours with a halfway stop at La Colombe Coffee.

City: Washington DC

Tue 10 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $30.00

Make a reservation

Tue 10 Jun

Starting at $30.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Up to 2 hours of a unique walking tour experience by a knowledgeable guide.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (24)

VOinVA

May 2021

The history of the alleyway homes and community was fascinating! A different world existed in the alleyways of DC that the front side/ Main Street homeowners ignored or just didn’t interact with. This is a must do tour if you are in DC. I didn’t want to give away too much information!

Amanda H

Mar 2021

Enjoyed exploring these hidden gems I would not have known about otherwise. Katie’s storytelling brings history to life, painting a picture of what life was like in the alleyways a century before they became filled with the colorful murals and trendy apartments of today. Highly recommend!

Inspire828162

Feb 2021

Who would have thought alleys could be so fascinating? Blagden Alley and Naylor Court are locally famous for beautiful murals and upscale dining. The history of these places were both unknown to me. Katie's knowledge and enthusiasm for every tiny detail is extraordinary. I can't recommend this tour highly enough.